Seretide Disk
fluticasone + salmeterol
Seretide disk contains fluticasone and salmeterol. The steroid component, fluticasone, prevents the release of elements of inflammation while salmeterol is a bronchodilator, which works by dilating the airway muscles, thus easing the breathing process.
Drug Uses
Seretide is used for:
- Preventing asthma attacks
- Prevent flare-ups or worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that is associated with chronic bronchitis or emphysema
- The drug can also be used for other purposes than mentioned here.
Drug Checklists
Seretide should not be used if you:
- Are allergic to one or more components of the drug
- Suffer from food, drug, dye or any other allergies
- Suffer from heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Seizure disorder
- Any infection
- Weak immune system
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Tuberculosis
- Osteoporosis
- Thyroid disorder
- Liver disease
It is wise to call doctor if the medicine is not reducing the symptoms or if it is worsening the symptoms. Salmeterol is known to increase risks associated with asthma related deaths.
Seretide also should not be used if you are allergic to fluticasone like Flonase, Flovent, or salmeterol like Serevent, or if you are having an asthma attack. Salmeterol has been shown to increase the risk of asthma-related deaths.
Drug Usage Precautions
It is wise to inform the doctor if one or many of the following cases are applicable to you.
- Have food or drug allergy
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
- Have infection of any kind
- Weak immune system
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Tuberculosis
- Osteoporosis
- Thyroid disorder
- Liver disease
Pregnancy
Seretide disk should not be used in pregnant mothers as the drug may be harmful to the unborn baby. It is recommended telling doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. The presence of the drug in breast milk is yet to be identified.
Safety Measures
Long term use of the drug or smoking can lead to loss of calcium in the bones making the person to suffer from osteoporosis. Hence, it is advisable to take calcium supplement if the drug is used for a long time.
Drug Administration
Seretide disk is administered exactly as advicesd by the physician. The drug also comes with instructions for inhaler priming, which has to be followed cautiously.
Seretide disk should not be used for curing attacks of asthma that has begun already.
Seretide disk comes in a powder form of fluticasone and salmeterol come with a special inhaler device that is pre-loaded with blister packs containing measured doses of the drug. The device opens and loads a blister each time you use the inhaler and the device is not to be used with a spacer.
If you are administering steroid medication, then, do not stop using the steroid all of a sudden as you might experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about dose reduction of the steroid before stopping permanently.
Contact your doctor immediately if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work for you in preventing asthma attacks. A need of increased medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack. If you observe peak flow meter, contact your doctor if the numbers are lower than normal.
As asthma is usually treated with a combination of different drugs, the best treatment for your condition is to use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not alter the dose unless advised by your doctor.
Missed Dose
In case if you happen to miss a dose, do not have both the doses together. If the dosage clashes, it is better to avoid the previous dose and continue with the current dose. It is also better to consult your physician in case of any doubts regarding the dosage amount.
Drug Overdose
In case of drug overdose contact nearest emergency care center.
Overdose Symptoms:
- Angina
- Chest pain
- Fast or irregular heartbeats
- Seizures
- Tremor
- Weakness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Drug Safety Measures
Do not use a second form of salmeterol like Serevent or use a similar inhaled bronchodilator like formoterol like Foradil unless advised by your doctor.
Seretide can lower the body immunity to fight infections. Hence, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Contact your doctor for preventive measures if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. The condition can be critical or even fatal in people who are using steroid medications.
Seretide Disk Side Effects
Some of the side effects of Seretide disk include:
- Bronchospasm that is wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Irregular heartbeats, restlessness, tremors
- Fever, chills, stabbing chest pain, cough with yellow or green color mucus
- Blurred vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
- White patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
- Worst asthma symptoms.
Some of the mild side effects include:
- Headache, dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Stuffy nose, sinus pain, cough, sore throat
- Hoarseness or voice deepening
Drug Interactions
Seretide disk reacts with the following drugs:
- Amiodarone like Cordarone
- Diuretic or water pill
- HIV medicines like atazanavir like Reyataz, ritonavir like Norvir, indinavir like Crixivan, nelfinavir like Viracept, saquinavir like Invirase
- MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid like Marplan, tranylcypromine like Parnate. Phenelzine like Nardil, rasagiline like Azilect, or selegiline like Eldepryl, Emsam
- Antidepressant like amitriptyline like Elavil, desipramine like Norpramin, fluoxetine like Prozac, nefazodone, imipramine like Tofranil
- Antibiotics like ketoconazole like Nizoral, itraconazole like Sporanox, clarithromycin like Biaxin, or telithromycin like Ketek)
- Beta-blocker like atenolol like Tenormin, carvedilol like Coreg, metoprolol like Lopressor, Toprol and others.
For more information, contact the pharmacist or the drug seller.
